Teenager's death sparks clashes in Kashmir

Clashes erupted between residents and government forces in Indian-administered Kashmir's main city today, a day after a teenage boy was killed, allegedly by a rubber bullet fired by police.

Shops, businesses and schools in Srinagar were closed and public buses stayed off the roads in protest at the boy's death.

The 17-year-old student, Tufail Ahmed Mattoo, died late yesterday after being hit in the head by a rubber bullet fired by police during a protest against Indian rule, resident Shakeel Ahmed said. He said the teenager was not part of the protest and was carrying his school bag when he was shot.

Police called the death "mysterious" and said they were investigating.

"We're waiting for the medical report. But apparently it seems he was hit by a heavy object," said Hemant Lohia, a top police officer.

Thousands of people defied restrictions imposed by authorities in several neighbourhoods in Srinagar and gathered at the boy's home today to pay their respects.

The mourners carried his body for burial while shouting "We want freedom" and "Blood for blood".

Police and paramilitary soldiers fired tear gas to quell the protests in several places in Srinagar, a police officer said. He said angry protesters pulled down at least two paramilitary bunkers in the city.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the Muslim-majority region, where rebel groups have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or its merger with neighbouring Pakistan since 1989.

The region is divided between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both.

More than 68,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the uprising and the subsequent Indian crackdown.